Description

Foreword

This is the 2nd edition of the book which was first published in May, 1991. In this edition, the errors
that had crept in the 1st edition have been corrected, and some additional information on the
evolution of our national flag has been added. It is hoped that this book which depicts to an extent
our struggle for freedom culminating in the winning of independence as well as in evolving a national
flag will be of general interest. Further, from 26th January 2002, Indian citizens were permitted to fly
their national flag throughout the year. This statutory change in the rules of flying our national flag has
been incorporated in this revised edition.

Back of the Book

“A Flag is a necessity for all nations. Millions have died for it. It is no doubt a kind of idolatry which
it would be a sin to destroy. For, a flag represents an ideal. The unfurling of the Union Jack in the
English breast evokes sentiments whose strength is difficult to measure. The Stripes mean a world to
the Americans. The Star and the Crescent will call forth the best bravery in Islam.

It will be necessary for us Indians-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis and all
others to whom India is their home to recognize a common flag to live and to die for.”

M.K. Gandhi

“I remember, and many in this House will remember, how we looked up to this Flag not only with
pride and enthusiasm but with tingling in our veins and also how when we were sometimes down and
out, the sight of this flag gave us courage to go on. Then, many whose are not present here today,
many of our comrades who have passed, held on to this flag, some amongst them even unto death,
and handed it over as they sank, to others to hold it aloft.”

Jawaharlal Nehru

CONTENTS

1

Origin of the Flag

1

2

Ancient Indian Dhvaja

8

3

The Epic Flags

11

4

Flags of Ancient, Medieval and British India

17

5

Beginning of evolution of Our National Flag

24

6

Madam Cama’s Flag

38

7

Flag of the Home Rule Movement

47

8

First Flag of Indian National Congress

51

9

Jhanda Andolan, 1923

59

10

Between the years 1924 and 1930

70

11

Flag Committee, 1931

74

12

Flag of Indian National Congress

80

13

Birth of Indian National Flag

89

14

National Anthem, National Song and National Emblem

111

15

Flying of Flags by the Armed forces: Indian
Blue and Red ensigns

121

16

National Flag and Common Citizens

127

17

Some interesting facts about our National Flag

133

18

Specifications for the National Flag of India

140

19

Amended Flag Code — India

144

20

Thoughts on our National Tricolour Flag

166

APPENDIX 1 - Copy of the President Dr. Zakir Husain's letter on bringing out
a book by Publications Division on 25th anniversary of the formation of a provisional Azad Hind
Govt. by Netaji Subhash Bose